An update on NOPS – a BETA feed assurance scheme set up to help avoid the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances – export tips and advice on laminitis and endocrine disease topped the bill at the 2017 BETA Feed Conference.

Nearly 90 industry representatives gathered for the event, which was supported by Premier Nutrition and held at The Village Hotel, Solihull, for the first time. A panel of expert speakers provided insight into a range of topical issues and initiatives.

Karen Pratt, of the Food Standards Agency, provided an animal feed update, while solicitor James Pheasant, of Burges Salmon, explored “Avoiding Liability for Contamination Risks” and Hannah Adams, of Kiwa PAI, auditor of the BETA NOPS scheme, highlighted its growth over the past 12 months and inclusion of overseas members

BETA executive director Claire Williams spoke about BETA feed assurance schemes, highlighting that there were nearly 80 companies in the BETA NOPS scheme and a new NOPS training course for sales and marketing staff had been launched. Labelling and claims came under the spotlight with Victoria Phillips, of Apheya Animal Nutrition, who emphasised the importance of full product information provided by companies selling online.

Professor Andy Durham, of Liphook Equine Hospital, Hampshire, focused on laminitis and endocrine disease in horses, concluding that the key endocrine event in laminitis was caused by excessive postprandial hyperinsulinaemia (high levels of insulin in the blood after eating) rather than insulin resistance, and NAF nutritionist Kate Hore provided some top tips for taking on the export challenge, based on the company’s own experience.

“This was BETA’s seventh feed conference and we are extremely pleased with how it has developed over the years and continues to go from strength to strength,” said Claire Williams. “We have received fantastic feedback from delegates, who appreciate the importance of attending the event to keep ahead of changes in the rapidly advancing feed sector.”